astonishing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ/
KK: /əˈstɑnɪʃɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder.
Example
The magician's performance was astonishing and left the audience speechless.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more astonishing
Superlative: most astonishing
Conversation
Did you see the magician's show last night?
Yes, it was absolutely astonishing how he performed those tricks!
I know, right? I couldn't believe my eyes at some points.
Me too! It's hard to imagine how he does it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
amazing
incredible
stunning
Antonyms
unremarkable
ordinary
mundane
verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel great surprise or wonder.
Example
The magician's tricks were astonishing to the audience.
Tense Forms
Past: astonished
Past Participle: astonished
Conversation
Did you see that magician at the show last night?
Yeah, he was absolutely amazing!
I know, right? The tricks were astonishing!
Root Explanation
Astonishing → It is formed from "astonish" (from Old French *estoner*, meaning to stun or shock) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "astonishing" describes something that causes a strong feeling of surprise or wonder.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'stuns' you ('astonish') and remember that 'astonishing' means it causes a strong feeling of surprise.
Visually Confused Words
vanishing